The proposed bill, titled the "Fostering with Dignity Act," aims to enhance the experience of children placed in out-of-home care by ensuring they are provided with suitable luggage for transporting their personal belongings. The bill establishes a new section, 39.4011, in the Florida Statutes, which mandates the Department of Children and Families to provide each child entering out-of-home care or changing placements with a piece of luggage that belongs to the child and cannot be reclaimed by the department or retained by any adult. The legislation emphasizes the importance of dignity and emotional well-being for these children, who often face distress when their belongings are transported in trash bags.

Additionally, the bill requires the department to collaborate with community-based care lead agencies and other entities to coordinate the logistics and distribution of luggage. It also mandates the maintenance of records regarding the use of trash bags for transporting belongings and requires annual reporting to the Legislature on the number of times trash bags were used, along with reasons for not providing appropriate luggage. The bill authorizes the department to solicit gifts, grants, and donations to support these initiatives and amends existing statutes to align with the new provisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 306 Filed: 39.401, 39.4085